WHEREAS, the State of Delaware, "First State" by virtue of being first to ratify the Constitution of the United States, was also among the early supporters of the first ten amendments to this historic document; and

WHEREAS, these ten amendments, since known as the "Bill of Rights", serve to guarantee, protect and preserve the civil liberties and personal freedom of all Americans, thereby distinguishing our form of government from the tyranny of totalitarian governments; and

WHEREAS, the right of freedom of speech, press, assembly, association and religious worship; the right of due process under law, and equal treatment under law are a priceless heritage which must constantly be safeguarded; and

WHEREAS, December 15, 1959, marks the 168th anniversary of the adoption of the "Bill of Rights"; now,

THEREFORE, I, J. CALEB BOGGS, Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, December 15, 1959, as

BILL OF RIGHTS DAY

In this state; and

FURTHER, I urge all Delawareans to pause on this significant occasion and give thanks to the Almighty for the foresight of those who drafted and adopted our Constitution and Bill of Rights, and for the courage and sacrifice of those who have fought to protect and preserve this document and our Nation. Also, let us ever strive to prove equal to the great responsibility that we, as loyal Americans, have acquired as part of our birthright.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, 1, J. Caleb Boggs, Governor of the State of Delaware, have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the said State to be hereunto affixed at Dover this eighth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and fifty-nine and of the Independence of the United States of America, the one hundred and eighty-fourth.